Boiler Operators can be trained to save energy
January 29th 2009

“Just as your motoring mpg depends a lot on your driving style, boiler efficiency is greatly affected by your operating methods” states Peter Baldwin MD of Byworth Boilers.

“A simple procedure such as boiler blowdown, if done incorrectly can cost thousands in excess fuel over a year. Operating methods are often passed down from the previous operator, which is fine as long as the first boilerman did it right in the first place! Many forward thinking Plant Engineers are now addressing this by training their boiler operators for the qualification Certified Industrial Boiler Operator. In order to pass this challenging assessment, operators need to be fully aware of energy usage and the environmental impact of boiler plant, in addition to all the Health and Safety issues associated with boiler operation.”

The Cert IBO qualification was developed by the Combustion Engineering Association with the backing of the Carbon trust, HSE and Insurance companies. Training courses are available at Byworth Boilers in Keighley, West Yorkshire or alternatively on site if there are more than 6 trainees.

Peter Baldwin continues, “We have had great success in 2008 with boiler operators from many companies passing this qualification and enjoying their time here at Byworths. We do understand however that it is not always easy to spare an operator for a whole week, so we have introduced a 2 day course as an alternative. This covers the same topics as the one week course, although not quite as in-depth, but it could be enough to ensure that boilers are from then on operated to peak efficiency and safety.”

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